Myanmar's military regime plans to hold elections but only in some regions, the junta chief has said, without specifying a date and with a precondition that there is peace and stability.

Myanmar military says 'election likely but not nationwide'

Myanmar's junta will likely hold elections in 2025, the news agency AFP reported citing party officials.&nbsp;

A coup d'état started in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, when democratically elected members of the country's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), were deposed by the country's military.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi was detained along with ministers and members of the parliament. Ever since Suu Kyi has been in custody and facing multiple charges.&nbsp;

To justify their coup in February 2021, the military junta used unsupported allegations of extensive election fraud in the 2020 elections, which Suu Kyi's NLD overwhelmingly won.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-rejects-pakistans-relief-plan-for-power-consumers-632598">IMF rejects Pakistan's relief plan for Power consumers</a>&nbsp;

The news agency reported that the party officials spoke about the polls on Tuesday (September 5), even as the military struggles to crush resistance to its rule.&nbsp;

"Elections are likely to be held in 2025," a senior member of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party told AFP on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

"We have a census-taking process in 2024. Because of the situation (in Myanmar) and that nationwide census process, next year is impossible," they said.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that a member of a junta-approved party said it was likely "elections will be held in early 2025", without elaborating.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/video-pakistan-navy-helicopter-crash-kills-3-crew-members-632354">Pakistan Navy helicopter crash kills 3 crew members</a>&nbsp;

Thirty-six political parties have been granted permission to take part in any future polls, the junta-stacked election commission said Tuesday.&nbsp;

It didn't reveal a date for when they would be held, but it told the news agency that seven had been approved to compete countrywide, and 29 on a regional level.&nbsp;

It also announced the scrapping of the first-past-the-post system and added that a proportional representation system would be used across the country.&nbsp;

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing called for "necessary preparations" to be completed ahead of the national census in 2024, the state-backed Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

An election can only take place after a census has been completed, the paper cited him as saying.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan recorded an 83% rise in terror attacks in August

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<h2>Aung San Suu Kyi ailing&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, Suu Kyi is ailing and a request for an outside physician to see her has been denied by the country's military rulers, Reuters reported citing a source familiar with the matter and the shadow government loyal to her. She instead has been treated by a prison department doctor.&nbsp;

"She was suffering swelling in her gums and could not eat well and is feeling light-headed along with vomiting," said the source, who declined to be identified due to fear of arrest.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Myanmar's junta will likely hold elections in 2025, the news agency AFP reported citing party officials. A coup d'état started in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, when democratically elected members of the country's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), were deposed by the country's military.

Myanmar's junta will likely hold elections in 2025, the news agency AFP reported citing party officials. A coup d'état started in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, when democratically elected members of the country's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), were deposed by the country's military. Democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi was detained along with ministers and members of the parliament. Ever since Suu Kyi has been in custody and facing multiple charges. To justify their coup in February 2021, the military junta used unsupported allegations of extensive election fraud in the 2020 elections, which Suu Kyi's NLD overwhelmingly won. Also read: IMF rejects Pakistan's relief plan for Power consumers The news agency reported that the party officials spoke about the polls on Tuesday (September 5), even as the military struggles to crush resistance to its rule. "Elections are likely to be held in 2025," a senior member of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party told AFP on the condition of anonymity. "We have a census-taking process in 2024. Because of the situation (in Myanmar) and that nationwide census process, next year is impossible," they said. The report mentioned that a member of a junta-approved party said it was likely "elections will be held in early 2025", without elaborating. Also read: Pakistan Navy helicopter crash kills 3 crew members Thirty-six political parties have been granted permission to take part in any future polls, the junta-stacked election commission said Tuesday. It didn't reveal a date for when they would be held, but it told the news agency that seven had been approved to compete countrywide, and 29 on a regional level. It also announced the scrapping of the first-past-the-post system and added that a proportional representation system would be used across the country. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing called for "necessary preparations" to be completed ahead of the national census in 2024, the state-backed Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Saturday. An election can only take place after a census has been completed, the paper cited him as saying. Watch: Pakistan recorded an 83% rise in terror attacks in August × Aung San Suu Kyi ailing Meanwhile, Suu Kyi is ailing and a request for an outside physician to see her has been denied by the country's military rulers, Reuters reported citing a source familiar with the matter and the shadow government loyal to her. She instead has been treated by a prison department doctor. "She was suffering swelling in her gums and could not eat well and is feeling light-headed along with vomiting," said the source, who declined to be identified due to fear of arrest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar's junta will likely hold elections in 2025: Report

Myanmar's ruling junta has officially postponed an election promised by August this year after its 2021 coup, state television reported late on Monday.

Junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing, in a meeting on Monday with the army-backed National Defence and Security Council (NDSC), extended a state of emergency by six more months.

The military had pledged to hold elections by August 2023 after it overthrew the elected government headed by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, but it cited ongoing violence as a reason to postpone the vote.

"While holding an election, in order to have an election that is free and fair and also to be able to vote without any fear, necessary security arrangements are still needed and so the period for the state of emergency is required to extend," read the junta statement on state TV.

Myanmar has been in chaos since the coup, with a resistance movement fighting the military on multiple fronts after a bloody crackdown on opponents that drew global condemnation and saw Western sanctions re-imposed.

The military seized power after complaining of fraud in a November 2020 general election won by Suu Kyi's party. Election monitoring groups found no evidence of mass fraud.

The overthrow of Suu Kyi's elected government derailed a decade of reform, international engagement and economic growth, while leaving a trail of upended lives in its wake.

In response to the junta's announcement, the U.S. State Department said extending the state of emergency would plunge the country "deeper into violence and instability".

"The regime's widespread brutality and disregard for the democratic aspirations of the people of Burma continue to prolong the crisis," said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

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Myanmar's ruling junta has officially postponed an election promised by August this year after its 2021 coup, state television reported late on Monday. Junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing, in a meeting on Monday with the army-backed National Defence and Security Council (NDSC), extended a state of emergency by six more months.

Myanmar's ruling junta has officially postponed an election promised by August this year after its 2021 coup, state television reported late on Monday. Junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing, in a meeting on Monday with the army-backed National Defence and Security Council (NDSC), extended a state of emergency by six more months. The military had pledged to hold elections by August 2023 after it overthrew the elected government headed by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, but it cited ongoing violence as a reason to postpone the vote. "While holding an election, in order to have an election that is free and fair and also to be able to vote without any fear, necessary security arrangements are still needed and so the period for the state of emergency is required to extend," read the junta statement on state TV. Myanmar has been in chaos since the coup, with a resistance movement fighting the military on multiple fronts after a bloody crackdown on opponents that drew global condemnation and saw Western sanctions re-imposed. The military seized power after complaining of fraud in a November 2020 general election won by Suu Kyi's party. Election monitoring groups found no evidence of mass fraud. The overthrow of Suu Kyi's elected government derailed a decade of reform, international engagement and economic growth, while leaving a trail of upended lives in its wake. In response to the junta's announcement, the U.S. State Department said extending the state of emergency would plunge the country "deeper into violence and instability". "The regime's widespread brutality and disregard for the democratic aspirations of the people of Burma continue to prolong the crisis," said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Myanmar junta officially postpones election promised after 2021 coup

Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party secured an absolute majority in Myanmar's election, official results showed Friday, in a poll disputed by the military-aligned opposition and criticised by rights groups.

Suu Kyi's party wins absolute majority in Myanmar polls

Myanmar's military-backed opposition said on Tuesday there had been "many contentious events" during a parliamentary election two days ago which the ruling party says it won by a landslide, but offered no immediate evidence of violations.

Than Htay, leader of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), said in a video on the party's official Facebook page that it was pursuing legal options and urged viewers to send in evidence of "illegal acts".

"There were many contentious events during the whole voting process, whether in line with the law or not, and more facts are coming out," he said, without specifying.

"We will continue to work according to the law to receive the result our supporters want."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aung-san-suu-kyis-ruling-party-claims-resounding-election-win-in-myanmar-342001" hreflang="en">Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party claims resounding election win in Myanmar</a>

Sunday's election was seen as a referendum on the fledgling democratic government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD), which remains very popular at home but has seen its overseas reputation battered by accusations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, which it denies.

The NLD has said it won more than the 322 seats in parliament needed to form a government based on data compiled from reports by party agents at polling stations nationwide.

The election commission is yet to announce a final tally, but the several dozen seats it has announced so far put the NLD comfortably ahead.

The commission, which is appointed by the president, was criticized in the run-up to the vote over alleged errors in voter lists, censorship of broadcasts by opposition parties, and the cancellation of voting in areas affected by insurgencies.

A commission spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment.

The NLD said it was ready to cooperate if any reliable evidence of violations was provided.

"We are also ready to resolve it according to the law," party spokesman Myo Nyunt said by phone.

International and local observers have said the election went smoothly without major irregularities.

The U.S-based Carter Center said on Tuesday entry for observers was restricted in three centres where votes were being tabulated but that voting was conducted positively in 94% of stations visited.

Candidates can file objections within 45 days of the results to tribunals appointed by the election commission, but cannot appeal the judgments at an independent court.

Myanmar's military-backed opposition said on Tuesday there had been "many contentious events" during a parliamentary election two days ago which the ruling party says it won by a landslide, but offered no immediate evidence of violations.

Myanmar's military-backed opposition said on Tuesday there had been "many contentious events" during a parliamentary election two days ago which the ruling party says it won by a landslide, but offered no immediate evidence of violations. Than Htay, leader of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), said in a video on the party's official Facebook page that it was pursuing legal options and urged viewers to send in evidence of "illegal acts". "There were many contentious events during the whole voting process, whether in line with the law or not, and more facts are coming out," he said, without specifying. "We will continue to work according to the law to receive the result our supporters want." Also read: Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party claims resounding election win in Myanmar Sunday's election was seen as a referendum on the fledgling democratic government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD), which remains very popular at home but has seen its overseas reputation battered by accusations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, which it denies. The NLD has said it won more than the 322 seats in parliament needed to form a government based on data compiled from reports by party agents at polling stations nationwide. The election commission is yet to announce a final tally, but the several dozen seats it has announced so far put the NLD comfortably ahead. The commission, which is appointed by the president, was criticized in the run-up to the vote over alleged errors in voter lists, censorship of broadcasts by opposition parties, and the cancellation of voting in areas affected by insurgencies. A commission spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment. The NLD said it was ready to cooperate if any reliable evidence of violations was provided. "We are also ready to resolve it according to the law," party spokesman Myo Nyunt said by phone. International and local observers have said the election went smoothly without major irregularities. The U.S-based Carter Center said on Tuesday entry for observers was restricted in three centres where votes were being tabulated but that voting was conducted positively in 94% of stations visited. Candidates can file objections within 45 days of the results to tribunals appointed by the election commission, but cannot appeal the judgments at an independent court.

Myanmar’s army-backed party alleges 'contentious events' during election

Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to win a second term in office when authorities in Myanmar release early election results on Monday.

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi in line for second term

Myanmar kicked off its multi-party general elections on Sunday as over 37 million eligible voters went to the polls across the country.

Vote counting begins in Myanmar's general elections

5 million young voters will be able to cast ballots for the first time in Myanmar elections. WION brings you a report.

Myanmar Election: Aung San Suu Kyi expected to win again

Myanmar's citizens -- about 37 million registered voters -- go to the polls Sunday though turnout is expected to suffer because of a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

And Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi remains the country's most popular political figure by far.

In 2015, Suu Kyi's National League of Democracy party roared to a landslide election victory. Critics have since felt her administration failed to embrace democratic principles, and have often accused it of genocide of Rohingya Muslims.

Suu Kyi and her party are also accused of being more concerned about entrenching itself in power than encouraging a broad-based democracy.

Despite this, her party is expected to again top the polls this year.

The state election commission has also been accused of conniving with Suu Kyi's ruling party by cancelling voting in some areas where parties critical of the government were certain to win seats.

The Union Election Commission insisted the voting was cancelled because of armed conflict with ethnic guerrillas in those areas.

The West was shocked at the brutal 2017 counter-insurgency campaign by Myanmar's army that drove about 740,000 Rohingya to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh, drawing accusations of genocide. It also sent Suu Kyi's reputation with Western admirers into a tailspin when she failed to restrain the security forces.

 
&nbsp;

Myanmar's citizens -- about 37 million registered voters -- go to the polls Sunday though turnout is expected to suffer because of a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

Myanmar's citizens -- about 37 million registered voters -- go to the polls Sunday though turnout is expected to suffer because of a recent surge in coronavirus cases. And Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi remains the country's most popular political figure by far. In 2015, Suu Kyi's National League of Democracy party roared to a landslide election victory. Critics have since felt her administration failed to embrace democratic principles, and have often accused it of genocide of Rohingya Muslims. Suu Kyi and her party are also accused of being more concerned about entrenching itself in power than encouraging a broad-based democracy. Despite this, her party is expected to again top the polls this year. The state election commission has also been accused of conniving with Suu Kyi's ruling party by cancelling voting in some areas where parties critical of the government were certain to win seats. The Union Election Commission insisted the voting was cancelled because of armed conflict with ethnic guerrillas in those areas. The West was shocked at the brutal 2017 counter-insurgency campaign by Myanmar's army that drove about 740,000 Rohingya to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh, drawing accusations of genocide. It also sent Suu Kyi's reputation with Western admirers into a tailspin when she failed to restrain the security forces.

Aung San Suu Kyi's party expected to win second term in Myanmar polls despite accusations of genocide

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed hope that weekend elections in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;would allow for the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees "in safety and dignity."

In a statement from his office, he said he also hoped that the polls would help "advance inclusive sustainable development, humanitarian action, human rights and democratic reforms."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-suu-kyi-denies-genocide-opponents-up-anti-rohingya-rhetoric-340814" hreflang="en">As Suu Kyi denies genocide, opponents up anti-Rohingya rhetoric</a>

Guterres "renews his appeal for a ceasefire across the country to allow all to focus on combatting the Covid-19 pandemic," the statement said.

The UN chief "remains concerned about armed conflict in many areas of&nbsp;Myanmar, especially the intensifying clashes in Rakhine and Chin states," he said.

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to be returned to power in the November 8 polls -- only the second election since the nation emerged from outright military rule.

The Rohingya crisis,&nbsp;where hundreds of thousands of people fled across the border into squalid refugee camps to escape military-backed violence,&nbsp;might have shattered Suu Kyi's reputation in the West, but she remains a hero for many at home.

Her defense of the nation against genocide charges at the UN's top court last December consolidated support, particularly among the dominant ethnic Bamar.

Virtually all the 600,000 Rohingya Muslims remaining in the country are stripped of citizenship and will not be able to vote.

Further mass cancellations of the election in swathes of ethnic minority areas -- ostensibly for security concerns -- mean a total of nearly two million are disenfranchised in a country with an electorate of some 37 million.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed hope that weekend elections in Myanmar would allow for the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees "in safety and dignity.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed hope that weekend elections in Myanmar would allow for the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees "in safety and dignity." In a statement from his office, he said he also hoped that the polls would help "advance inclusive sustainable development, humanitarian action, human rights and democratic reforms." Also read: As Suu Kyi denies genocide, opponents up anti-Rohingya rhetoric Guterres "renews his appeal for a ceasefire across the country to allow all to focus on combatting the Covid-19 pandemic," the statement said. The UN chief "remains concerned about armed conflict in many areas of Myanmar, especially the intensifying clashes in Rakhine and Chin states," he said. Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to be returned to power in the November 8 polls -- only the second election since the nation emerged from outright military rule. The Rohingya crisis, where hundreds of thousands of people fled across the border into squalid refugee camps to escape military-backed violence, might have shattered Suu Kyi's reputation in the West, but she remains a hero for many at home. Her defense of the nation against genocide charges at the UN's top court last December consolidated support, particularly among the dominant ethnic Bamar. Virtually all the 600,000 Rohingya Muslims remaining in the country are stripped of citizenship and will not be able to vote. Further mass cancellations of the election in swathes of ethnic minority areas -- ostensibly for security concerns -- mean a total of nearly two million are disenfranchised in a country with an electorate of some 37 million.

UN chief hopes Myanmar election will allow refugees to return in 'dignity'

As Aung San Suu Kyi is vilified internationally for denying genocide against the Rohingya, her opponents in Sunday's Myanmar election are ramping up the rhetoric against the Muslim minority.

There was global revulsion at military-backed operations in 2017 that saw hundreds of thousands of people flee burning villages into the squalor of refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-chief-accuses-government-of-unacceptable-mistakes-ahead-of-election-340534" hreflang="en">Myanmar army chief accuses govt of 'unacceptable mistakes' ahead of election</a>

The horrifying violence,&nbsp;including widespread reports of murder and rape,&nbsp;has left Suu Kyi's international reputation in tatters and sees Myanmar facing genocide charges at the UN's top court.

But Than Htay, leader of the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), insists Myanmar has nothing to be sorry for.

"I cannot accept useless people in our country," Than Htay told AFP of the stateless Rohingya.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-expert-airs-human-rights-concerns-ahead-of-myanmar-vote-340405" hreflang="en">UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote</a>

The USDP is the main opposition group standing against Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party in this week's polls, Myanmar's second after emerging from outright military rule in 2011.

Than Htay told a campaign rally he was free of "Muslim or Chinese" blood, while his deputy slurred an NLD Muslim candidate, according to local news site Myanmar Now.

USDP supporters even created a parody of an NLD anthem, claiming Suu Kyi's party had welcomed "Bengali Muslims as if they were gods".

Stripped of citizenship and rights over decades, the Rohingya are widely referred to in Myanmar by the pejorative term "Bengali", implying they are illegal immigrants.

'Picnic' or genocide?

The uncompromising campaign rhetoric shows that anti-Muslim rhetoric in mainly Buddhist Myanmar remains "fair game",&nbsp;Yangon-based analyst Khin Zaw Win told AFP.

"There is no danger for political parties to speak out against either the Rohingya or Muslims in general," he said.

Just four percent of Myanmar's 55-million population are Muslim.&nbsp;

They have no mainstream political representation and are often discriminated against in schools or when applying for ID cards or jobs.

The brutal ejection of the Rohingya in 2017 was seen very differently inside the country, where the government maintains the military was simply rooting out Rohingya insurgents and did not force the community to flee.

"They left happily," Than Htay told AFP in an interview late August at the USDP's opulent headquarters in the capital, Naypyidaw.

"If they'd been running from the military, they wouldn't have prepared their bags as if going on a picnic."

Rebrand 'failure'&nbsp;

Suu Kyi's NLD party -- born out of the pro-democracy movement under the former junta --&nbsp;is widely expected to be returned to office in Sunday's polls.

The nation only emerged from outright military rule a decade ago and the armed forces still wield enormous power, retaining control of a quarter of parliamentary seats and three key ministries.

Stacked with former army officers, the USDP is now trying to downplay its links to the military in a country still deeply suspicious of the institution.

Than Htay, who attained the rank of Major General before retiring, insisted: "I'm a civilian now," although conceded army chief Min Aung Hlaing was an old childhood friend.

"We were commanders at the same military command. Our families are close. But that's all. We have boundaries between us."

The USDP ruled Myanmar after a hugely flawed election in 2010, boycotted by the NLD and other parties.

In 2015, the party won 28 percent of the popular vote, although the country's electoral system meant this translated as only eight percent of electable seats.

Than Htay underlined to AFP what he saw as the NLD government's economic failures during its five-year term -- a drop in GDP, more debt and an increase in living costs.

But the USDP has "failed to rebrand itself", concluded watchdog International Crisis Group.

Analyst Khin Zaw Win warned a "tacit" alliance between the military and NLD could even make the USDP redundant.&nbsp;

"If this develops, the military will have no further use for the USDP," he said.

"The party runs the risk of losing its main prop."

As Aung San Suu Kyi is vilified internationally for denying genocide against the Rohingya, her opponents in Sunday's Myanmar election are ramping up the rhetoric against the Muslim minority.

As Aung San Suu Kyi is vilified internationally for denying genocide against the Rohingya, her opponents in Sunday's Myanmar election are ramping up the rhetoric against the Muslim minority. There was global revulsion at military-backed operations in 2017 that saw hundreds of thousands of people flee burning villages into the squalor of refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh. Also read: Myanmar army chief accuses govt of 'unacceptable mistakes' ahead of election The horrifying violence, including widespread reports of murder and rape, has left Suu Kyi's international reputation in tatters and sees Myanmar facing genocide charges at the UN's top court. But Than Htay, leader of the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), insists Myanmar has nothing to be sorry for. "I cannot accept useless people in our country," Than Htay told AFP of the stateless Rohingya. Also read: UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote The USDP is the main opposition group standing against Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party in this week's polls, Myanmar's second after emerging from outright military rule in 2011. Than Htay told a campaign rally he was free of "Muslim or Chinese" blood, while his deputy slurred an NLD Muslim candidate, according to local news site Myanmar Now. USDP supporters even created a parody of an NLD anthem, claiming Suu Kyi's party had welcomed "Bengali Muslims as if they were gods". Stripped of citizenship and rights over decades, the Rohingya are widely referred to in Myanmar by the pejorative term "Bengali", implying they are illegal immigrants. 'Picnic' or genocide? The uncompromising campaign rhetoric shows that anti-Muslim rhetoric in mainly Buddhist Myanmar remains "fair game", Yangon-based analyst Khin Zaw Win told AFP. "There is no danger for political parties to speak out against either the Rohingya or Muslims in general," he said. Just four percent of Myanmar's 55-million population are Muslim. They have no mainstream political representation and are often discriminated against in schools or when applying for ID cards or jobs. The brutal ejection of the Rohingya in 2017 was seen very differently inside the country, where the government maintains the military was simply rooting out Rohingya insurgents and did not force the community to flee. "They left happily," Than Htay told AFP in an interview late August at the USDP's opulent headquarters in the capital, Naypyidaw. "If they'd been running from the military, they wouldn't have prepared their bags as if going on a picnic." Rebrand 'failure' Suu Kyi's NLD party -- born out of the pro-democracy movement under the former junta -- is widely expected to be returned to office in Sunday's polls. The nation only emerged from outright military rule a decade ago and the armed forces still wield enormous power, retaining control of a quarter of parliamentary seats and three key ministries. Stacked with former army officers, the USDP is now trying to downplay its links to the military in a country still deeply suspicious of the institution. Than Htay, who attained the rank of Major General before retiring, insisted: "I'm a civilian now," although conceded army chief Min Aung Hlaing was an old childhood friend. "We were commanders at the same military command. Our families are close. But that's all. We have boundaries between us." The USDP ruled Myanmar after a hugely flawed election in 2010, boycotted by the NLD and other parties. In 2015, the party won 28 percent of the popular vote, although the country's electoral system meant this translated as only eight percent of electable seats. Than Htay underlined to AFP what he saw as the NLD government's economic failures during its five-year term -- a drop in GDP, more debt and an increase in living costs. But the USDP has "failed to rebrand itself", concluded watchdog International Crisis Group. Analyst Khin Zaw Win warned a "tacit" alliance between the military and NLD could even make the USDP redundant. "If this develops, the military will have no further use for the USDP," he said. "The party runs the risk of losing its main prop."

As Suu Kyi denies genocide, opponents up anti-Rohingya rhetoric

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election.

Thomas Andrews, a former US congressman from Maine who is the UN special investigator on Myanmar, called for free and fair elections but expressed concerns about the denial of the vote to Rohingya Muslims and others based on race, ethnicity or religion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-casts-early-vote-in-poll-hit-by-covid-19-curbs-338842">Myanmar's Suu Kyi casts early vote in poll hit by COVID-19 curbs</a>

Andrews, who as an independent 'special rapporteur'&nbsp;does not speak for the UN, said the Myanmar army is using a penal code set up under colonialist Britain in 1861 to lock up journalists, students and others for exercising their basic right to free expression.&nbsp;He also lamented allegations of state censorship of some candidates.

Myanmar's electoral commission has canceled voting in several parts of the country facing bouts of unrest.

Michelle Bachelet, who heads the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has also expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Myanmar before the vote, including violations of the right to political participation, particularly for minority groups.

The last general election in 2015 brought to power Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy after more than five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and her government have faced international condemnation for allowing security forces to carry out widespread abuses of the Rohingya minority, driving more than 700,000 to seek safety in neighbouring Bangladesh.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election.

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election. Thomas Andrews, a former US congressman from Maine who is the UN special investigator on Myanmar, called for free and fair elections but expressed concerns about the denial of the vote to Rohingya Muslims and others based on race, ethnicity or religion. Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi casts early vote in poll hit by COVID-19 curbs Andrews, who as an independent 'special rapporteur' does not speak for the UN, said the Myanmar army is using a penal code set up under colonialist Britain in 1861 to lock up journalists, students and others for exercising their basic right to free expression. He also lamented allegations of state censorship of some candidates. Myanmar's electoral commission has canceled voting in several parts of the country facing bouts of unrest. Michelle Bachelet, who heads the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has also expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Myanmar before the vote, including violations of the right to political participation, particularly for minority groups. The last general election in 2015 brought to power Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy after more than five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and her government have faced international condemnation for allowing security forces to carry out widespread abuses of the Rohingya minority, driving more than 700,000 to seek safety in neighbouring Bangladesh.

UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote

Myanmar’s army chief said on Tuesday the civilian government was making "unacceptable mistakes" in the run-up to a pivotal general election on Sunday, the second democratic vote since the end of strict military rule.

Issuing the second warning in as many days about potential bias in the vote, commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing told a local news outlet that the military was the "guardian" of the country and was watching preparations closely.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-expert-airs-human-rights-concerns-ahead-of-myanmar-vote-340405" hreflang="en">UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote</a>

The rare interview in the Popular News Journal followed similar comments in a military statement on Monday that accused the election commission of "widespread violation of the laws and procedures of the pre-voting process".

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy is widely expected to win Sunday's vote, in a Facebook post late on Tuesday called for calm and urged voters not to be intimidated.

"People are aware of attempts to disturb the holding of a successful election... They are intentionally inciting anger," she wrote, without elaborating.

Min Aung Hlaing said some opposition parties had complained about irregularities, citing voter lists riddled with errors with many people excluded. "There is no problem for normal mistakes. But some are unacceptable mistakes. They have a lot of time to do corrections,” he said, urging the election commission to ensure "a free and fair election.”

A spokesman for Myanmar’s election commission did not answer phone calls seeking comment, nor did a government spokesman.

The election commission is controlled by the government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, which came to power after a landslide election win in 2015 that ended half a century of military and military-backed rule.

But the army retains significant powers under the constitution including control of key ministries like Home Affairs. The military and civilian government have been at odds over various issues for months, including constitutional reform.

Myanmar’s army chief said on Tuesday the civilian government was making "unacceptable mistakes" in the run-up to a pivotal general election on Sunday, the second democratic vote since the end of strict military rule.

Myanmar’s army chief said on Tuesday the civilian government was making "unacceptable mistakes" in the run-up to a pivotal general election on Sunday, the second democratic vote since the end of strict military rule. Issuing the second warning in as many days about potential bias in the vote, commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing told a local news outlet that the military was the "guardian" of the country and was watching preparations closely. Also read: UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote The rare interview in the Popular News Journal followed similar comments in a military statement on Monday that accused the election commission of "widespread violation of the laws and procedures of the pre-voting process". Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy is widely expected to win Sunday's vote, in a Facebook post late on Tuesday called for calm and urged voters not to be intimidated. "People are aware of attempts to disturb the holding of a successful election... They are intentionally inciting anger," she wrote, without elaborating. Min Aung Hlaing said some opposition parties had complained about irregularities, citing voter lists riddled with errors with many people excluded. "There is no problem for normal mistakes. But some are unacceptable mistakes. They have a lot of time to do corrections,” he said, urging the election commission to ensure "a free and fair election.” A spokesman for Myanmar’s election commission did not answer phone calls seeking comment, nor did a government spokesman. The election commission is controlled by the government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, which came to power after a landslide election win in 2015 that ended half a century of military and military-backed rule. But the army retains significant powers under the constitution including control of key ministries like Home Affairs. The military and civilian government have been at odds over various issues for months, including constitutional reform.

Myanmar army chief accuses government of 'unacceptable mistakes' ahead of election

With lockdown measures in place to curb the pandemic, and a dominating ruling party, campaigning for votes in Myanmar's upcoming parliamentary elections has proven to be an uphill battle for first-time political candidate Han Oo Khin.

Myanmar political candidate campaigns in grocery truck amid lockdown restrictions

Outraged over ongoing discrimination in Myanmar, Myo Min Tun decided to stand as the first openly gay election candidate in a country where same-sex relations are illegal.

His decision to enter the political fray came after transgender friends told him how they had suffered police harassment.

The officers allegedly forced them to remove their bras and kneel in humiliating positions before touching them inappropriately, Myo Min Tun told AFP.

"This was a violation of their rights," &nbsp;he said. "And I realised there's no one in parliament to talk about this."

So he decided to run for a seat in the regional assembly in his home city of Mandalay.

"I'm doing this to be a pioneer for all LGBT people so they know we can be anyone we want."

From florist and noodle soup chef to HIV prevention worker, the 39-year-old says he has been lucky not to suffer discrimination in his varied career in Myanmar's second city.

But a British colonial era law means same-sex relations are still illegal -- even if space is opening up for the LGBT+ community in the conservative country.

Yangon's Pride party in February attracted more than 10,000 people, with many painting their little fingers pink to campaign to decriminalise same-sex relations ahead of November's election.

But Myo Min Tun thinks it is too soon to fight that battle.

Instead, he vows to tackle the daily acts of discrimination the community faces, an issue thrust into the spotlight with the prominent suicide of a gay man last year.

Workplace bullying was widely blamed after the man's final Facebook post displayed mocking comments and photos from colleagues.

An official probe concluded, however, the employer was not responsible, saying the man had simply been "mentally weak".

"We still have a long way to go," Myo Min Tun said, sighing.

- 'Not the time'? -

Myo Min Tun knew he was gay when he fell in love with a fellow student while in grade 9 at school.

His father disapproved until his death although "never physically beat" him.

"But I think my mother loved me even more for it," he said with a smile, adding neighbours and family friends even encouraged him to stand in the election.

"I have always been actively involved in my community, so they recognise me for who I am."

Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to be returned to power in the November 8 national and regional vote.

 
The NLD's manifesto states it stands against discrimination based on sexual orientation but has done nothing to address the issue in its first term, say rights groups.

Myo Min Tun instead chose to run for the People's Pioneer Party because of its "anti-discriminatory stance and because they favour young people".

But leader Thet Thet Khine, who set up the party last year after being kicked out of the NLD, told AFP it was "not the time" to try to decriminalise same-sex relations, even if she admitted this was a basic human right.

"People will not care. There could even be a lot of backlash if we advocate for this."

Myo Min Tun admits he did not mention he was gay in his interview with the party -- but says it was important for him to come out publicly.

"I didn't want to lie to get votes," he said.

"I believe if I'm fair and truthful, people will support me."

Outraged over ongoing discrimination in Myanmar, Myo Min Tun decided to stand as the first openly gay election candidate in a country where same-sex relations are illegal.

Outraged over ongoing discrimination in Myanmar, Myo Min Tun decided to stand as the first openly gay election candidate in a country where same-sex relations are illegal. His decision to enter the political fray came after transgender friends told him how they had suffered police harassment. The officers allegedly forced them to remove their bras and kneel in humiliating positions before touching them inappropriately, Myo Min Tun told AFP. "This was a violation of their rights," he said. "And I realised there's no one in parliament to talk about this." So he decided to run for a seat in the regional assembly in his home city of Mandalay. "I'm doing this to be a pioneer for all LGBT people so they know we can be anyone we want." From florist and noodle soup chef to HIV prevention worker, the 39-year-old says he has been lucky not to suffer discrimination in his varied career in Myanmar's second city. But a British colonial era law means same-sex relations are still illegal -- even if space is opening up for the LGBT+ community in the conservative country. Yangon's Pride party in February attracted more than 10,000 people, with many painting their little fingers pink to campaign to decriminalise same-sex relations ahead of November's election. But Myo Min Tun thinks it is too soon to fight that battle. Instead, he vows to tackle the daily acts of discrimination the community faces, an issue thrust into the spotlight with the prominent suicide of a gay man last year. Workplace bullying was widely blamed after the man's final Facebook post displayed mocking comments and photos from colleagues. An official probe concluded, however, the employer was not responsible, saying the man had simply been "mentally weak". "We still have a long way to go," Myo Min Tun said, sighing. - 'Not the time'? - Myo Min Tun knew he was gay when he fell in love with a fellow student while in grade 9 at school. His father disapproved until his death although "never physically beat" him. "But I think my mother loved me even more for it," he said with a smile, adding neighbours and family friends even encouraged him to stand in the election. "I have always been actively involved in my community, so they recognise me for who I am." Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to be returned to power in the November 8 national and regional vote. The NLD's manifesto states it stands against discrimination based on sexual orientation but has done nothing to address the issue in its first term, say rights groups. Myo Min Tun instead chose to run for the People's Pioneer Party because of its "anti-discriminatory stance and because they favour young people". But leader Thet Thet Khine, who set up the party last year after being kicked out of the NLD, told AFP it was "not the time" to try to decriminalise same-sex relations, even if she admitted this was a basic human right. "People will not care. There could even be a lot of backlash if we advocate for this." Myo Min Tun admits he did not mention he was gay in his interview with the party -- but says it was important for him to come out publicly. "I didn't want to lie to get votes," he said. "I believe if I'm fair and truthful, people will support me."

'I don't want to lie': Gay pioneer stands in Myanmar election

Myanmar is set to hold its most crucial election in November. Aung San Suu Kyi's former ally Thet Thet Khine has emerged as a key challenger. Meanwhile, the Rohingya community in the country remains disenfranchised.

Myanmar gearing up for general election, Aung San Suu Kyi remains a front runner

Myanmar plans to push ahead with a November general election despite calls from opposition parties to postpone it because of a surge in novel coronavirus cases, officials said.

WION Dispatch: Myanmar Gears Up For General Election

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